sedimentary
Travertine
Travertine (CaCO3 - Calcium Carbonate)
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale); Color: White, tan, cream, or beige; Luster: Dull to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal (as calcite/aragonite); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific gravity: 2.71
- Hardness
- 3-4 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, tan, cream, or beige
- Luster
- Dull to pearly
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale); Color: White, tan, cream, or beige; Luster: Dull to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal (as calcite/aragonite); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific gravity: 2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often at the mouth of hot springs or in limestone caves. It is a terrestrial sedimentary rock, often varying in age from Quaternary to ancient geologic periods depending on the deposit site.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for flooring, wall cladding, and counter-tops. Historically used for monuments and buildings like the Roman Colosseum. Also popular in landscaping and decorative masonry.
Geological facts
Travertine is characterized by its pitted surface and small holes, which are caused by trapped gas bubbles during the rapid precipitation process. The Getty Center in Los Angeles is composed of 1.2 million square feet of travertine imported from Italy.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its porous, vesicular texture and its strong effervescent reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid. Commonly found in Italy (Tivoli), Turkey, Mexico, and the United States (Yellowstone National Park).
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone (Quartz-rich)
Arenite (SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone (with man-made markings)
Arenite (composed primarily of Quartz, SiO2)
sedimentary